de Nys Family Memorial
Established by the de Nys family to honour their parents’ legacy and support educational equity for students in and around Mount Gambier.
The de Nys Family Memorial Scholarship Sub Fund was established in 2009 by the extended de Nys family to honour the lives of Gerrit and Jansje de Nys—Dutch immigrants who arrived in Australia with their eight children and built a legacy of resilience, opportunity and family unity.
Launched with seed capital of $50,000 following a family reunion commemorating their arrival 50 years earlier, the fund supports students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds who identify with the greater Mount Gambier area. Scholarships may assist with primary, secondary or tertiary education, helping reduce financial barriers and open doors to learning.
An Advisory Committee of family members helps guide the fund’s direction and recommends worthy recipients. The fund is a living tribute to Gerrit and Jansje’s foresight and sacrifice, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same spirit of opportunity that shaped their journey.
Stand Like Stone is proud to steward this sub fund, which continues to grow through family contributions and community support.
Related news
Keep up to date with all the latest news at Stand Like Stone Foundation with everything from new sponsors to developments around grants and scholarships for the people and communities of the Limestone Coast, plus updates on our exciting events.
Celebrating Youth Generosity Across the Limestone Coast
Stand Like Stone Foundation’s Philanthropic School Award Program launched in 2023 has become a cherished tradition across the Limestone Coast, recognising young people who embody kindness, courage and a spirit of generosity within their school communities.
Stand Like Stone Foundation celebrates it’s ‘20 Years of Giving Back’ anniversary
The Stand Like Stone Foundation has celebrated 20 years of giving back to the Limestone Coast with a luncheon attended by 170 supporters from across the region.
Charlie continues Poppy’s legacy through memorial scholarship
Agricultural studies cut tragically short by the death of Tatiara student Poppy Crozier will be continued by her lifelong friend Charlie Hannemann, following his announcement as the first recipient of a Stand Like Stone Foundation memorial scholarship in her honour.
Limestone Coast students provided with a funding boost for study in 2025
Stand Like Stone announces its annual educational scholarships. With the region’s students now back to school and university, Stand Like Stone are delighted to announce that 42 scholarships totalling $87,800 have been offered to students right across the Limestone Coast.
Explore other funds
CCW Memorial
Supporting disadvantaged students and the Millicent High School Pathways Centre through charitable grants and activities.
Keith & District Hospital Future Fund
Supporting charitable projects that benefit and future-proof the Keith & District Hospital, in honour of Mig Brookman.
Keith Area School
Supporting past, present and future Keith Area School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Kingston Community School
Supporting past, present and future Kingston Community School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Grant High School
Supporting past, present and future Grant High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Millicent High School
Supporting past, present and future Millicent High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Mount Gambier High School
Supporting past, present and future Mount Gambier High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Brian Page Focis on Youth
Supporting educational opportunities for young people across the Limestone Coast, in honour of philanthropist Brian Page.
Monbulla School Hall Community Development
Supporting charitable organisations in the Penola Coonawarra district to build long-term sustainability.
Monbulla School Hall Youth Support
Established to assist young people connected to the greater Penola Coonawarra region who face financial barriers to education or skills development.
South East Disaster Relief
Supporting disaster relief and resilience-building initiatives across the Limestone Coast.
Lucindale Area School
Supporting students connected to Lucindale Area School to pursue education from early years through to tertiary study.
Limestone Coast Agri-Links Mental Health
Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing in rural communities across the Limestone Coast.
Naracoorte Seeds
Supporting charitable projects that strengthen rural communities and outcomes across the Limestone Coast.
Poppy Crozier Memorial
Honouring Poppy’s love of the land by supporting agricultural education for Limestone Coast students.
Stand Like Stone General Fund
Supporting charitable projects and educational scholarships that benefit communities and students across the Limestone Coast.
Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing
Supporting charitable projects in the Penola and Coonawarra region through a lasting community legacy.
Stand Like Stone Operations
Help power Stand Like Stone’s operations so we can continue supporting the Limestone Coast—now and into the future.
Beachport
Supporting charitable projects that benefit the Beachport community and surrounding area.
Naracoorte & Districts
Supporting charitable projects that benefit the greater Naracoorte region.
Sign up and stay inspired!
Subscribe today to receive Stand Like Stone’s e-newsletter to stay up to date with our latest news and inspiring stories about the ways your contributions are helping to make a difference in our community. Newsletters are usually distributed around quarterly.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
